Title IX Hearing Officer Services

We issue thorough, fair, and well-reasoned opinions for those afforded hearing rights as part of their internal Title IX policies.

Van Dermyden Maddux attorneys are well versed in the complexities of Title IX. We understand the legal landscape, and monitor the latest legislative, regulatory, judicial and political developments. We are trained in Trauma Informed Forensic Interviewing.

We are keenly aware of the challenges facing educational institutions today. As neutral Hearing Officers, we operate with the following principles:

Applying a “preponderance of the evidence” standard when evaluating evidence

Understanding affirmative consent standards

Being equitable and sensitive to the parties’ experiences

Acting with dignity and respect for all

We follow campus policies and procedures, and best practices locally and nationally. We understand how sexual violence, and Sexual Violence policies, relate to student conduct codes.

We have a team of trained Hearing Officers who understand and navigate the difficult balance of the possible traumatic experience of the Complainant, as well as the reality of being accused. Our Hearing Officers ensure the hearings are carried out objectively and in good faith to establish reasonable grounds for all findings. All undisputed evidence is fully evaluated, and credibility is assessed as necessary. Our Hearing Officers have experience questioning parties using trauma-informed techniques, making admissibility and relevance decisions, and issuing well-reasoned, thorough decisions with the understanding that the recipients of such decisions include college-aged students, and not attorneys.